Why are custom soft enamel pins a perfect mix of art and branding?

I've seen soft enamel pins go from a niche item to a must-have for brands and artists. They seem to be everywhere, on jackets, hats, and bags. It makes me wonder, what makes them so special?

Custom soft enamel pins are a popular choice because they offer a unique combination of texture, vibrant colors, and affordability. They allow for intricate and detailed designs that feel handcrafted, making them a powerful tool for personal expression and brand storytelling.

From my experience, the tactile quality of a soft enamel pin makes it feel more personal. It's a small piece of art you can touch and wear with pride.

What are soft enamel pins?

Do you see soft enamel pins¹ and wonder how they are made? They have a unique look and feel that sets them apart.

Soft enamel pins are a type of lapel pin where the enamel fills are recessed below the raised metal lines of the design. The metal is stamped, and the colored enamel is added, creating a textured, dimensional surface that you can feel with your finger. They are known for their bold colors and sharp details.

I believe the texture is what makes a soft enamel pin stand out. The raised metal lines give it a classic, handcrafted look that people love.

How are soft enamel pins made?

When a client asks me about soft enamel pins, I explain the process. It's what gives them their unique texture. First, a metal mold is created from the design. Then, a sheet of metal is stamped to create the raised metal lines and recessed areas. This is the skeleton of the pin. After the metal is plated with a finish (like gold or silver), the enamel colors are added by hand into the recessed areas. The pin is then baked. The key difference is that the pin is not polished flat at the end. This is what leaves the metal lines raised and the enamel at a lower level, giving the pin its distinctive textured feel.

I once saw a soft enamel pin that had a beautiful, intricate design. The raised metal lines created a cool shadow effect that made the pin look very artistic. This showed me that the texture of soft enamel can be used to create a truly unique and beautiful piece of art. It's a key part of their appeal.

Is soft enamel cheaper than hard enamel?

Are you trying to choose between soft and hard enamel pins² and wondering about the cost? It's a common question for anyone looking to make custom pins.

Yes, soft enamel pins are generally cheaper to produce than hard enamel pins. The main reason is that the manufacturing process for soft enamel is less labor-intensive, as it requires fewer baking and polishing steps, which saves time and money.

From my experience, the cost difference is a big reason why many artists and small businesses choose soft enamel for their first pin run. It makes custom pins more accessible.

What are the main cost differences between soft and hard enamel?

When a client asks me about the cost of soft vs. hard enamel, I explain the different steps involved. Soft enamel pins are less expensive because their process is simpler. They only need one bake after the enamel is filled, and they are not polished flat. This means less labor and less time. Hard enamel pins, on the other hand, require more work. They are baked several times and then polished flat. This makes the surface smooth and gives the pin a more high-end, jewelry-like feel. This extra labor and time are what makes them more expensive.

I once had a small brand that needed to create 200 pins. Their budget was tight. We chose soft enamel pins, and they were able to get a beautiful, high-quality pin that fit their budget. The pins sold well, and the brand was able to grow. This showed me that soft enamel is a fantastic option for businesses that need to be mindful of their costs while still getting a great product.

Is soft enamel durable?

Do you wonder if soft enamel pins will last a long time? The texture is a key feature, but does it affect how durable they are?

Yes, soft enamel pins are very durable and can last for many years with proper care. While the raised metal lines can be more prone to scratching than hard enamel, the pin itself is sturdy and the enamel colors are baked to be permanent. For extra protection, a clear epoxy dome can be added.

From my experience, the word "soft" in soft enamel does not mean weak. It refers to the texture, not the strength. A soft enamel pin is a tough, long-lasting item.

What makes soft enamel pins last?

The durability³ of a soft enamel pin comes from its strong construction. First, the base of the pin is made from a sturdy metal, like brass or iron. This metal gives the pin its shape and strength. Second, the enamel colors are baked at a high temperature. This process hardens the enamel, so it will not chip or fade easily. While the raised metal lines might get a little scratched over time, this is often seen as a sign of a well-loved pin. For people who want a glossy, scratch-resistant surface, an epoxy dome can be added. This is a clear resin coating that covers the whole pin, making it smooth and very durable.

I once had a client who had a custom soft enamel pin for their business that they had been using on their jacket for years. It had a few small scratches on the metal lines, but the colors were still vibrant. They saw the scratches as a sign of a well-loved item, not a defect. This showed me that for many people, the durability of a soft enamel pin is not just about its condition but about its ability to be a lasting part of their story.

Conclusion

Soft enamel pins are popular for their texture and detail. They are cheaper to make than hard enamel. They are also very durable, with the option of an epoxy coating for more protection.